Reeds Reed strength

[Lizengar]

I've been playing for 4 weeks and am using a Yamaha 4c mp.

I'm a beginner myself, and my teacher often pair Yamaha 4C with a 2.5 Vandoren Blue Box. I however am using a different setup. You can try the one he recommends. He said the 4C with a the 2.5 Vandoren Blue Box is usually a combination for people who started out. So it might be to your preference.

 

[kevgermany]

Just be aware that a Vandoren blue box is about half a strength stiffer than most other reeds. And other makers vary as well.

The tinny sound is probably you, just keep playing, do some long tones to work on the sound.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Saxophon-Service / Saxophon- & Klarinetten -Gurte

 

[Lesley]

I have asked an SA friend working in the UK to buy a box of Rico 2.5 reeds as the price of reads in SA are a complete rip off

 

[Rob Pealing]

I have found Taming the Saxophone vol 1 Tone without Tears very useful for explaining how to improve tone and for long tone exercises.

 

[Gareth WG]

jbtsax......ah -ha, the kazoo sound. Perfect to how my high notes sound lately, thinking of moving up from rico royal 2.

Did try vandoren 2.5 few months ago, but could not get it going properly (maybe time to try again?)

I am thinking of trying the rico royal filed jazz, do they really make a difference, want a "jazzier" sound.

 

[Colin the Bear]

By all means try as many reeds as you can afford. As far as the sound they will produce, disregard the names.

Some makes do not use the same number for the same strength as others.

A Vandoren blue 2.5 will be more like a Rico Royal 3. Check the chart above.

For Baritone I use a Vandoren 4 or a Rico royal 5. The 5 is just a little softer than the 4.

Rico royal and Vandoren blue are both filed but slightly different cuts.

If it's a filed reed you like, then make sure the reeds you're buying are filed.

I think the kazoo sound is also about pushing the sound up into the sinus and nasal area. Try to keep it in the throat. It's very easy to think high when playing high notes and push them up into the top of your head. Finger high but voice low for a fuller tone.

Does that make any sense at all?

This diagramwill help to understand what manufacturers are talking about when they bang on about the latest new design.

http://www.daddario.com/resources/Rico/pdf/reed_anatomy.pdf

 

[Gareth WG]

Yes Colin, that does make sense.

I think as a beginner, higher notes may sound a little thin, part of learning and working technique. Will definately try to play it like that tomorrow.

When I recorded myself, I was fairly happy with my tone, however, realised my higher notes were a bit thin.

I am hopefully getting a windcraft etude for xmas (partner gives up now on what to buy me, so this is one of my presents), just thought I would give filed rico (or any brand really) a go........

Thanks (as always) for reply

 

[Colin the Bear]

You've set me off now. After using Vandoren blue for ages and being very satisfied, the last batch were awful. I've just ordered a box of Gonzalez regular cut from Dawkes. Nice price.

I've tried the Rico reserve classic in the past and found them very consistent and with a fuller tone up top. They're called D'Addario reserve now. They're a bit more expensive and harder to source but well worth a try. Taste nice too.

 

[SaxDon]

If you have a teacher then they are in the best position to make the call at the moment. If not, then experiment.

I know the Yam 4C is an excellent plastic student mouthpiece. However, I still remember the joy I had when I moved to a hard rubber mouthpiece after a few months starting on plastic. The difference was night and day - I got a much fuller, even tone straight away and that only improved after I spent more time with it.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Nothing to do with what it was made of. More to do with being a better match to your embouchure and instrument Internal shape, lay etc.

 

[Gareth WG]

Saxdon, I did have a jody jazz, however the d would split when i attempted to play faster runs etc, sort of dented my concentration and faith in it. Went back to the yam 4c because I could relax and focus on other bits and bobs......as mentiones earlier, getting a windcraft etude at xmas

 

[Gareth WG]

Colin I will definately try the rico reserve classic........and many others. Noticed that sax.co do a group of reeds from different companies, good idea.

 

[Jeanette]

Saxdon, I did have a jody jazz, however the d would split when i attempted to play faster runs etc, sort of dented my concentration and faith in it. Went back to the yam 4c because I could relax and focus on other bits and bobs......as mentiones earlier, getting a windcraft etude at xmas

Wait until after Cardiff and try Ed's pieces too

Jx

 

[Gareth WG]

Don't mention the Cardiff meet.......have not learnt that piece yet. I am scared now

Late edit - I will. thank you Jeanette

 

[Jeanette]

Don't mention the Cardiff meet.......have not learnt that piece yet. I am scared now

Sorry.....

Jx

 

[Gareth WG]

I am sure I can hide somewhere

 

[Jeanette]

I am sure I can hide somewhere

You can come sit with me, we'll find a nice bottle of red and get slowly relaxed

Jx

 

[SaxDon]

Saxdon, I did have a jody jazz, however the d would split when i attempted to play faster runs etc, sort of dented my concentration and faith in it. Went back to the yam 4c because I could relax and focus on other bits and bobs......as mentiones earlier, getting a windcraft etude at xmas

There are so many variables it can be frustrating! A good half day in a sax shop trying stuff can do wonders, even at an early stage.

 

[Gareth WG]

Wine and jazz chords are a lethal mix to a beginner as myself. Thank you for the support though Jeanette......